forby

1 of 2

preposition

for·​by fȯr-ˈbī How to pronounce forby (audio)
variants or forbye
1
archaic
a
: past
b
: near
2
chiefly Scotland : besides

forby

2 of 2

adverb

variants or forbye
chiefly Scotland
: besides : in addition

Word History

Etymology

Preposition

Middle English forby, preposition & adverb, from fore- + by

First Known Use

Preposition

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forby was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near forby

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Cite this Entry

“Forby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forby. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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